Ivybridge’s longest running karate club, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, is celebrating the success of two of its young members, nine-year-old Grace Wortley and 11-year-old Elysia Morris.

Both girls have recently passed their black belt gradings under the watchful eyes and tutelage of the Karate Union of Great Britain’s chairman and chief instructor sensei Andy Sherry ninth dan, sensei Billy Higgins eighth dan and Sensei Frank Brennan eighth dan of Tsutahashi Shotokan Karate Club.

After studying KUGB shotokan karate for approximately three years, Grace passed all her previous gradings with flying colours and easily stepped up the extra gear to achieve her first dan black belt grade.

In exemplary fashion Grace completed the kihon (basics) and kata (pre-arranged form) tests and put on a spirited display during the kumite (sparring and free fighting) section, culminating with sensei Sherry announcing her success, much to her delight.

Elysia’s voyage to achieving her black belt took slightly longer than Grace’s as Elysia has been involved in so many different sports and activities.

Not only is she a member of the karate club, but she also takes to the track for Erme Valley Harriers and is a keen amateur dramatics performer.

Elysia’s grading success was a credit to her persistence and personal development as she set her mind to achieving her goal.

Following some intensive training from the club’s sensei Neil Rowley fourth dan, Elysia performed admirably and was beameingfrom ear to ear when sensei Sherry announ­ced her achievement.

Elysia has become the third member of her family to earn a black belt, joining her father Mark (first dan) and sister Beth (second dan).

Everyone at Tsuta­hashi SKC is extremely proud of both girls’ achievements, and they are now training hard to ensure they are ready for their second dan grading in two years’ time.

Sensei Rowley said: ‘To the average person in the street, karate is about learning to kick and punch people for self-defence.

‘There is an element of that, but karate goes a lot deeper and is more of a personal journey with like-minded people who are researching self-development, self-awareness, self-worth, confidence and communication on a physical and verbal level.’

‘For Grace and Elysia to have passed their shodan black belt gradings at such young ages has taken an intensity of dedication and commitment not usually seen in children of their age.

‘They are a shining example of what can be achieved if you put your mind to it, and it gives me great pride to be able to say they are members of my club.’

Tsutahashi SKC welcomes new members – adults and children alike – and offers the first two lessons free of charge.

Classes are held on Wednesdays and Fridays at Ivybridge Community College.

Information can be found on the club’s website ivybridge

karateclub.co.uk, by telephoning Neil on 07546 924461 or emailing info@ivybridge

karateclub.co.uk.